Ministry yet to decide on landscape design for Kitty roundabout

Months after its commissioning

Months after the commissioning of the Kitty roundabout, a design for the landscaping is still to be decided on, according to Public Infrastructure Minister David Patterson.
When questioned by Guyana Times about the $78.9 million project on Thursday, Minister Patterson explained that the contractors were not responsible for the landscape component of the project.
He said, “The contract (for that aspect) hasn’t gone out because I, to be quite honest, we haven’t, or me, haven’t quite decided on how we want to finish landscaping wise”.
Patterson added that the contract for that component of the project definitely has to be done, but he is however, baffled as to how to go about doing it.
According to Minister Patterson, “We will have to award a landscaping contract. I

don’t know how we are gunna do this and that’s why it hasn’t been done as yet”.
Nonetheless, he informed that as of now several design options are on the table for that area, which requires feedback from his officials at the Ministry, the Private Sector and even the public.
One option he said for the roundabout is flowers only to fill the centre, while another option will allow for flowers and a fountain or even a signage.
Back in June when the Minister commissioned the first ever roundabout he did mention plans to beautify and complete the area with landscape.
Earlier this year, the contract for the project was awarded to S Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services in the sum of $78.9 million. The decision to construct a roundabout at this busy junction was made after a sinkhole had formed nearby.
The roundabout is expected to reduce waiting and stoppage time for motorists heading to the East Coast of Demerara and those using Carifesta Avenue, Vlissengen Road, and the Kitty Public Road.
Plans are already afoot to construct two other roundabouts with the same intent.
Patterson had noted that the two planned structures are scheduled to be erected at the Timehri junction, East Bank Demerara, and at the corner of Mandela Avenue and Sheriff Street, Georgetown, under the Sheriff Street road expansion project.
While the Minister did not elaborate on the details of the planned Mandela Avenue and Sheriff Street roundabout, he reported that works for the Timehri roundabout have begun by Gaico construction for the sum of $74 million.